Graceful Furnishings Nurtured

Ray Booth x Hickory Chair presents a sequel collection to the Dallas showroom.

BY ELAINE RAFFEL

Since opening its doors to the trade 17 years ago, the Hickory Chair showroom in Dallas has been a go-to for luxuriously livable furnishings. And now, with the opening of its new 11,000-square-foot Design District showroom, there’s even more to choose from. Showroom manager Roger Koen has been there for the duration. “We were among the first to feature partnerships with interior designers.”

Case in point: Ray Booth x Hickory Chair. The muchanticipated sequel will ship in September. “I really wanted to push myself to balance the more masculine, architectural forms from the first collection with something softer,” Booth said. “My point of view is now a little more gentle, graceful, and nurturing. I want to embrace furnishings that have a softer side, with more rounded edges and shapes.”

According to Hickory Chair vice president of marketing Laura Holland, the partnership brings Booth’s vision to life. “To create this luxurious new collection, we are exploring new materials, creating dynamic new finishes, and developing exciting new forms. We are thrilled by how it adds a new dimension to Hickory Chair’s exclusive position as a style leader while complementing our existing collections and products.”

Among the new items: the Clipse dining table, a fresh silhouette realized with mixed materials. Two 24-inch leaves extend the American walnut veneered top to 144 inches. Highbacked Aldrick dining chairs offer thoughtful padded arms complemented by hand-finished browned steel legs. “The slim profile is deceivingly comfortable. They’re an elegant option for a dining room or wherever you need an accentuated chair,” said Holland.

The curved Questa Sofa, another standout, is designed to sit “sculpturally and beautifully in a room,” she added. An integrated lumbar in the seat back provides unparalleled comfort; unique textiles and tapered, exposed legs allow for customization. Other new pieces include a side table with hidden storage, an upholstered bed, and the Cask swivel chair for two. “I am interested in a quietness in upholstery that stands in strength yet is also calming and welcoming,” said Booth.

The multi-vendor showroom also features collections by EJ Victor, Highland House, Stickley, Hable, Suzanne Kasler, and David Phoenix, among others. Wallcoverings comprise another important category. “We started with naturals, but contemporary and artistic prints have really exploded,” said Koen. Lines include Thibaut, York, Wallquest, Seabrook, and Vahallan.

Now in its 111th year, Hickory Chair was founded on a simple premise: Furniture made to order and made to last. “We use the finest materials and proudly make nearly 90 percent in our North Carolina workroom,” said Holland. “Our focus is on perfect proportion, scale, and always comfort. When pieces are lovingly made to be an heirloom for the future, it allows people to collect and mix our various products.” P